Interpower Connections

Interpower Connections—April 2009

Interpower Corporation is delighted to send you the first electronic edition of Interpower Connections. At Interpower we know that your time is valuable, therefore, we are offering you Connections as an easy-reference resource to help you design, build and maintain your products for world-wide markets. Each monthly Connections will contain a “How-to” article, and we are confident that you will find this informative and useful.

Our first edition looks specifically at how to provide the correct power cord or cordset for either domestic or international markets. Interpower is also offering you three ways to receive a copy of our popular Guide to Worldwide Plug/Socket patterns wall-chart, download the guide as a PDF, or use it on-line. Future editions will look at other subjects that we hope will be of interest to both experienced and new designers alike. Should you have a question that Connections has yet to answer, please go to the Designer’s Guide pages of www.interpower.com

How To Select and Specify Cordsets for International Markets

Markets for electrical and electronic equipment are truly global and, because of this, more competitive than ever before. Manufacturers know that in order to prosper—and in some cases to survive—they must participate in new, highly competitive markets by exporting vigorously, taking the battle for markets directly to foreign competitors’ doorsteps.

In order to be successful now, it is essential to offer products that easily adapt to the needs of local markets, without requiring reconstruction by the user. This is especially important with regard to power cords, circuit protection and electromagnetic compatibility requirements. In fact, this is exactly what any successful domestic marketer would do to assure the success of its products at home. Clearly, the same rules apply now in export markets.

Your company may be, or may be thinking of, exporting your equipment into the international market-place. One of the main considerations that you will have is ensuring that the end-user has the right means of connecting your equipment to their local mains supply. This will mean making sure the correct cordset is provided or that the equipment has been hand-wired with the correct power cord.

All of the following should be considered when choosing power cords or cordsets, whether for domestic or export markets:

 



Just because some pin patterns look the same does not mean it is the right cord for your equipment. When you go online you may see plug patterns for some countries look identical, however, there may be some major differences. The next item to question are the approvals. One way to ensure you have the correct cord is to question the approvals on the plug. Even though the North American and Japanese plugs look identical, one will carry the appropriate North American approvals and the other will carry Japanese approvals. 

 

Electrical cable for North America may look the same, but has a slightly different construction than European harmonized cable typically used in other countries. Furthermore, countries like Japan and China have different cable types as well. North American equipment should not be used in countries where the harmonized cable standards are in place, and vice-versa.

 

 

North America has a different voltage, amperage and frequency compared to much of the rest of the world. You must know the amperage and voltage rating required for the equipment you are going to export. This could mean an entirely different plug pattern, even in the same country, for higher or lower amperage ratings. For voltage and frequency requirements, consult the Guide to Worldwide Plug/Socket patterns at http://www.interpower.com/ic/guide.htm.

 

The use of an inlet, and the provision of a cordset, allows the same equipment to go to a variety of countries. However, the equipment may be designed in a way that a continuous hard-wired power cord is necessary.

 

There are some areas of the world which have conformed to one plug pattern fitting a number of sockets for convenience purposes. The Euro Plug, for example, can be used in many countries. However, if your equipment requires grounding, the Euro Plug will not work. In North America, there is a typical NEMA 5-15P and the ungrounded NEMA 1-15P, the two most widely used North American configurations.

 

A monitor on a desk has only a standard length cord, however there will be some circumstances where the mobility of the product comes into play and you need to make sure that you have enough cord (i.e. slack) to keep power to the mobile equipment. Remember, there are application limits that need to be considered. Example: cords over 50 feet in length in the United States and Canada will have the amp rating de-rated. For international applications, de-rating of a longer than normal cordset or power cord depends upon the application.

 

As of right now there are four regions of the world that require or recommend medical-grade standard products when supplied with patient care equipment. These are North America, Denmark, Australia and Japan. Other parts of the world use standard cords when connected to patient care equipment.

Preparing and submitting products for testing by international product safety agencies is complex and time consuming. It is, however, an essential part of any successful business venture. Proper organization and preparation can make international product safety compliance attainable within realistic cost and time parameters. When choosing a power cord or cordset for your equipment, ensure that the manufacturer can provide you with the necessary product safety agency approval documents. back to top

 

Power Cords and Cordsets with a 1 week manufacturing lead-time!

Interpower Corporation offers North American and international power cords and cordsets with a 1 week manufacturing lead-time. We offer many country plugs with any length of cable and if necessary, a variety of IEC 60320 C13 and C19 connectors. Interpower Corporation has over 100,000 cords in-stock, ready to ship immediately. However, if you are in need of a custom length, 1 week is all we need to manufacture your order...any quantity.

We test 100% of our cords before they leave our U.S.A. factory. Custom lengths and special packaging options are available. No minimum order requirements and same day air shipments are available for stock item orders received by 6:00 P.M. CST. For ordering and technical information about Interpower North American or international power cords or cordsets, please contact our Customer Service Department at 800/662-2290 or order online! back to top

 


 

 

 

 

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Interpower is offering you a chance to request a copy of our popular Guide to Worldwide Plug/Socket patterns wall-chart, download the guide as a PDF, or use it online. There are several ways to get your copy!